UPON EDUCATIONAL SUBJECTS READ AT THE EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE OF JUNE 1857. WITH A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE OBJECTS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING. (Published by Authority of the Committee.) EDITED BY ALFRED HILE BARRISTER-AT-LAW; ONE OF THE HONORARY SECRETARIES. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, LONGMANS, & ROBERTS. 1857. 232. c. 28. PREFACE. THAT the main defect in the present state of popular education in this country is not so much the lack of schools, as the insufficient attendance of the children of the working classes (many never coming at all, and most others being withdrawn before they have had time to derive much benefit), is a truth which has for some years past been impressing itself more and more upon those who are best informed on the subject. Early in the present year, therefore, at the suggestion of the Rev. Canon Moseley, of Bristol, the Educational Conference was projected-firstly, to ascertain the extent of the evil; and, secondly, to consider the question of remedy. To admit of full latitude of suggestion and discussion, it was determined to adopt a course of proceeding which had proved eminently successful at the Bristol Meeting of the National Reformatory Union,-viz. to inaugurate the proceedings by a public meeting; then to employ a day in the reading and discussion of papers in sections (on the plan of the British Association); and to wind up with another public meeting, at which the results of the proceedings of the sections should be discussed, and resolutions founded thereon, submitted, and decided upon. His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, with the deep interest which he always shows in matters of social improvement, graciously consented to be nominated President of the Conference, and opened the inaugural meeting with a most appropriate and able speech. The precise scheme of the Conference, and the names of the gentlemen who countenanced its promotion, will be learned from the following copy of the prospectus : "EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE. "A CONFERENCE of the Friends of the Education of the Working Classes, on the 'EARLY AGE AT WHICH CHILDREN ARE TAKEN FROM SCHOOL,' will be held in London on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of June, 1857. |